JETHAWKS REPORT : Marine in a Time Zone at Home

One of the hottest players for Visalia early in the season has been catcher Del Marine, who played at Canoga Park and El Camino Real highs and Moorpark College.

Marine was 10 for 15 through Monday night’s game. On Sunday night he had three hits, including a double that set up the winning run in the bottom of the ninth.

Marine said he first thought his being sent by the Detroit Tigers to a co-op team instead of a Tiger affiliate was a negative, but he understood the Tigers wanted Phil Nevin, a former No. 1 pick, to catch at double A.

He was also glad to be closer to home after playing last season at Lakeland, Fla.

“If I had to be in Class A, I’d rather be here than the Florida State League again,” Marine said.

JetHawk Manager Dave Brundage was surprised on Monday night when Visalia Manager Tim Toricelli had his first baseman play behind a JetHawk runner with the JetHawks ahead, 8-2, in the seventh. Not holding a runner on is usually a sign that you’ve conceded the game, and don’t expect the opponent to steal.

“He doesn’t know what it’s like here,” Brundage said. “He’s from the Florida State League.”

Brundage was right about the high-scoring California League: The JetHawks held on for a 9-8 victory.

Brett Hinchliffe pitched well for three innings in his first outing of the season Monday night, but he tired and gave up three runs in his fourth.

Hinchliffe said his elbow, which had been sore and limited him to 33 pitches in spring training, did not bother him. Hinchliffe also said his routine was thrown off by relieving Chris Bosio instead of starting.

Tonight’s game:

JetHawks (Marino Santana, 0-0) at San Jose (Darin Blood, 0-1), 7:15 p.m.